Sunset After The Rain

You remember that day well, don't you? The day you met her. The day that felt heaven came down to earth. How could you forget that day? December 8, 1981.

It was raining hard on an empty road in the mid-winter day. It seemed like the forecast wasn't right on this day and you left your umbrella at home. Taking shelter, your feet led you to that small coffee shop by the corner of the street you've always passed by after work. The bitter-sweet aroma of coffee welcomed you despite being drenched and wet. You quickly noticed the wooden interior of the cafe. You're a young architect, after all, 27 years old and full of dreams. You started observing every detail of the cafe and dashed off to your reality. The yellow lights that hovered above you, the soft olive cushioned wing chairs, and you quickly fell in love with it.

"Is this seat taken?" a voice snapped you into reality. 

 A young woman was standing in front of you. The first thing you notice was her crystal eyes that looked into yours. She had a bright smile as you looked at you. Her hair was brunette and tied into a messy bun and was wearing a brown trench coat. She looked like an angel heaven dropped. 

"Uhm, excuse me?" she said again. 

You then, realize you've been staring at her awkwardly for a while. 

"Ah- yeah sure," you said looking away.

 "I saw you staring at the shop, could you be an artist?" the lady asked. 

"Oh, no, I'm an interior architect, that's why. " Scratching the back of your back, you said as you gave a laugh out. "Oh, is that so?" she gave a smile. "I'm Ame, by the way, nice to meet you!" she reached out her hand for a handshake. Stating your name, you shake her hand in return. 

"So, how's life? Random stranger? " This odd lady, suddenly asked you while sipping her coffee. 

"Uhm, okay, I guess," you said. 

"What's with 'I guess?' " This woman asked again.

You stop and stare at her for a moment. 'What's with that question?' you subconsciously ask yourself.

"You know, most people who say that aren't 'okay', I guess."

She repeats your words as she played with the edge of her mug. She paused and gave a crescent smile.

"Not gonna ask the details, but mister, wanna go find your happiness with me?" She said.

A sudden warmth blossomed in your heart. It felt like flowers were blooming inside of you as you see that smile. Your eyes widen as you give back that same smile.

For a minute you lost yourself, and said one word; "Yes".

The next second you knew was that this strange woman you just met, was pulling you out the small cafe with your cups still half-full. For just 30 minutes in that cafe, the rain has settled and stopped. Clouds started to set aside and the sun decided to peep.

"Come on," she said.

Ame grabbed your hand and pulled you. And like a magnet to metal, you were drawn to her.

The next thing you knew, you were on running on the street after the rain. The scent of the sunshine after the rain went up to your nose as the rays of the sunlight up the empty streets.

"Where to?" You ask.

"Anywhere" she smiled.

You dash off with a random stranger in your hand, leaving all suspicions and doubts behind. You let this odd woman run the next moments of your life.

After a wild run, you finally reach a park. Gigantic gates of rose metal works invite you in. Flowers surrounded the park. Roses, daisies, orchids, and many more plants surrounded the park. Not long, butterflies came out of nowhere.

"Butterflies are really strong. After surviving the rain, even if they're drenched and wet, they continue to fly," she stated.

Goosebumps went up to your body as you stare at her. A strange but familiar. That's how you felt. Suddenly, your chest felt so light. You felt as if petals were dancing around you. You mesmerize at this beautiful moment that seemed to escape a scene from a movie.

"What are you looking at?" She laughed, fixing her hair.

You shook your head in response. And stood there in silence.

"Are you feeling, okay now, Mr. 'I guess'?" Asked Ame.

You didn't respond. Or more of, you couldn't. It seemed you froze in time looking at this scene.

"Well then. If you're still not okay." she grabbed your hand and kept started running again.

Before you realize, you were standing on a bridge. A small, wooden one. The stream bellow you were quiet and calm. The water was crystal clear despite the heavy rain a while ago.

"It's nice to relax on time too. Be like the water, just going with the flow. You don't need to force at anything" she said closing her eyes.

You gently nodded and agreed with her. A crescent smile came out of your mouth. Before she grabbed your hand, you got hers and ran.

"Where are we going?" She asked.

"Are you okay?" You imitate her and smirk.

She looks at you for a second and returns the smile.

"I guess," she said.

You took her into where ever the wind blew. With no destination or direction, you just took her into who-knows-where.

When you stopped, you realize you've reached the city's main attraction. The city's bell tower.

"Mi' lady" you offered your hand.

She smiled as she took it. You hiked up the tower to its top. By the time you got to the last step, you saw the pinkish-orange sky. The sun was setting.

Tired and gasping for air, you helped Ame who was behind you. The moment she laid her eyes on the sun, her eyes grew.

"It's beautiful" she uttered

"Yeah"

You agreed, but you weren't looking at the beauty of the scenery. But at the beauty of this random woma--, no this angel heaven dropped.

When both of you got off the tower, the sun has already set. The night arrived.

"Thanks for the day," she said.

"No, thank you," you said as you start tearing up.

"Wanna meet up tomorrow?"

"Yeah, tomorrow again" you sobbed as the screen blacked out.

It started raining again.

Tears fall your cheeks as you took off your VR headset and placed it in the corner. Standing up and stretching your old back, you got your cane. You check the time and see the clock; "12/08/2025 7:39 pm". 

Giving a long sigh, you proceed to a table and pick a picture frame-up.

"I miss you, Ame".